Liverpool could hardly have asked for a harsher welcome to the new Women’s Super League season. Their 4-1 humbling at Anfield by Everton was the kind of derby day that makes you want to pull the curtains, unplug the Wi-Fi, and pretend football doesn’t exist until next weekend. New head coach Gareth Taylor admitted his players feel “a little bit aggrieved,” which is a polite way of saying: that escalated quickly.
Liverpool dominate, then implode
For 40 minutes, Liverpool looked sharp, controlled, even inventive. Cornelia Kapocs’ early strike had Anfield rocking. Then—poof—the whole thing evaporated. Three goals in 11 minutes before halftime turned the Reds’ bright start into a cruel punchline. Everton’s Ornella Vignola bagged a hat trick, Katja Snoeijs added another, and suddenly Taylor’s debut was less “fresh beginning” and more “trial by fire.”
Liverpool positives? Yes, but with caveats
Taylor, ever the optimist, insisted Liverpool were “outstanding for 44 minutes.” That’s like praising a movie for everything before the disastrous ending—technically true, but not much comfort. Still, he’s right that his team created chances and hit the woodwork. Fitness and familiarity are the culprits, he argued, with four new signings still learning the playbook. Patience, he insists, is non-negotiable.
Author’s take: Liverpool need grit, not sympathy
Here’s the thing: Liverpool can’t spend the season patting themselves on the back for “good spells.” Derby days are about grit, not aesthetics. This isn’t a poetry reading in Portobello; it’s Everton at Anfield. Fans will accept growing pains but they will not put up with being a punchline to their arch rivals. Taylor can talk of patience, but his players need to harden–quick.
They must find their edge again
Taylor’s project might yet succeed, but he knows Anfield expects more than moral victories. Liverpool need to turn those 44 minutes of sharp football into 90. Because in the WSL, blink—and a rival is already dancing in your penalty box.
